Leclerc has made feelings clear on having Lewis Hamilton as team-mate with ‘deal close’

Charles Leclerc has previously suggested that ‘anyone on the F1 grid’ would like to be Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate. The legendary Brit is reportedly close to agreeing a sensational transfer that would see him move to Ferrari for the 2025 season.

Hamilton was heavily linked with a move to Ferrari in 2023 but after conversations with president John Elkann and team principal Fred Vasseur, he opted to sign a two-year extension with Mercedes, committing to the team that brought him six World Championships.

However, after an underwhelming end to the season, multiple reports have once again surfaced linking the 39-year-old with a remarkable switch to the Prancing Horse. Following a report from Italian news outlet Formu1a.uno on Thursday, it appears as though Hamilton is actively pursuing the move and that a formal announcement is not far away.

This move would see Hamilton leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 campaign, partnering with Leclerc, who signed a new long-term contract with Ferrari in January. With Carlos Sainz’s existing deal set to expire at the end of the year, the Spaniard will be the man to make way. 

When the rumours linking Hamilton with a Ferrari switch appeared last season, Leclerc was asked whether or not he would like to work alongside the seven-time champion. He replied: “If I say yes, I imagine it being the title of every newspaper.

“Lewis is such an incredible driver, has achieved so much in the sport, so I think anybody on the grid would love to have Lewis as a team-mate, as everybody would learn a lot from him. But again, I’m happy where I am, and with Carlos, it’s a great relationship too.”

Hamilton also commented on the possibility of moving to Ferrari last season, telling Swiss outlet Blick: “Okay, we’ve definitely had a few casual conversations. I know a lot of good people there. But I never felt ready to move to Italy.”

However, at 39 years of age, Hamilton is entering the twilight years of his F1 career and time is running out to fight for his record-breaking eighth World Championship title. With no room at the Red Bull inn, Mercedes and Ferrari are the only realistic contenders with whom a seat is available.